Mare Oyster Bar Opens This Friday

Preview the menu of the reboot of the North End seafood restaurant.

Over the past few months, upscale North End seafood spot Mare has been closed for a renovation (sound familiar?) that will turn it into a more casual, oyster-bar concept. The revamped Mare opens to the public this Friday, and I got a hold of the the new menu, which you can find ahead.

There’s still Italian-influenced seafood dishes like whole-grilled sea bass and risotto with shrimp, scallops, clams, and squid, but there’s a larger emphasis now on casual items like burgers (here topped with peppadew relish, cheddar, bacon, and Parmesan aioli) and lobster rolls (served on brioche, either cold with lemon mayo or hot with herbed butter).

Six-eight rotating oyster selections will also be available, with toppers like limencello ice and blood orange mignonette. Of course, there will be the inevitable comparisons to nearby Neptune Oyster, which regularly has lines out the door for its own signature hot lobster rolls and impeccable oystersâ€”perhaps Mare is making a play for the bivalve fiends that don’t want to wait an hour to eat.

Overall, the change is yet another by upscale spot looking to stay relevant in an increasingly casual restaurant landscape. It’s a smart business move, and one I think will be well-received by those looking for a laid-back evening in the North End without having to order a red-sauced plate of pasta.